Alex Ruck Keene

I lurk on Twitter from time to time but I only use it to share material from my website - it’s too compressed to use for comments. If you want to ask questions (and I like questions!) please email me at alex.ruckkeene@39essex.com

The contact constraints on the Court of Protection: mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk/the-contact-co…

Thank you very much to those who have been in touch about my website - it is being upgraded and should be back online by the end of the weekend.

39 Essex Chambers May Mental Capacity Report: mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk/39-essex-chamb…

Gretna Green and children’s capacity – in discussion with Jonathan Brown: mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk/gretna-green-a…

Instructing experts, and how long does the leash have to be for the acid test to be satisfied?mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk/instructing-ex…

Revisiting habitual residence - when and how the Court of Protection can do so: mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk/revisiting-hab…

Book review: Coercive Control and Vulnerable Adults: Law and Practice in the Court of Protection and the Inherent Jurisdiction of the High Court: mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk/book-review-co…

@Capacitylaw of @39EssexChambers on why a decision by Lady Hale remains the vital jumping-off point for anyone wanting to ‘do’ the Mental Capacity Act 2005 properly. A look at Aintree v James and best interests. 👉 swiy.co/u6Mp #MentalCapacity #LAG

The next National Mental Capacity Forum Webinar will focus on applying the Mental Capacity Act in the context of homelessness and addiction. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 April, 2026, noon to 1pm - free but registration required. essex-university.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

My book "Coercive control and vulnerable adults: Law and Practice in the Court of Protection and under the Inherent Jurisdiction of the High Court" comes out next week, but I've already received some copies. Order the book here bloomsburyprofessional.com/uk/coercive-co… DM me for a discount code 😉

Court of Protection Handbook - April 2026 update: mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk/court-of-prote…

39 Essex Chambers April 2026 Mental Capacity Reports – Mental Capacity Law and Policy: mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk/39-essex-chamb…

🧠 OPEN ACCESS resource on the FRONTAL LOBE PARADOX aimed at lawyers (and practitioners) navigating this complex presentation in #MCA decision-making. The guide was produced for the #CoP Bar Association but will have wider relevance for all professionals #FLP #ABI @Capacitylaw 👇

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - discrimination and distortion: mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk/the-terminally…

We have launched a review of the current laws governing the accessibility of transport for disabled people across England and Wales.  Find out more about the review by visiting the project page on our website: lawcom.gov.uk/project/access…

The COVID-19 inquiry - two key healthcare recommendations: mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk/the-covid-19-i…

An ‘intolerable’ deprivation of liberty – and the need for reasons: mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk/an-intolerable…

Capacity as a social construct, and the problem of untangling the spider’s web: mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk/capacity-as-a-…

Switzerland and the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - how many would still travel?: mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk/switzerland-an…

Family Help, Early Help and the myth of ‘non-statutory support’: mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk/family-help-ea…